Scapulothoracic Disorders

  • Miguel Ángel Ruiz Ibán
  • Jorge Díaz Heredia
  • Jose Luis Ávila
  • Francisco Serrano Sáenz de Tejada
  • Valencia Mora Mora
  • Miguel García Navlet
Living reference work entry
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Abstract

The scapulothoracic joint plays a key role in the correct function of the shoulder. A thorough understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics is essential to perform an adequate physical exam that has a vital role in the diagnosis of scapular dyskinesis.

Some shoulder problems affect mainly the scapulothoracic joint, causing primary scapular dyskinesis. Such is the case when different conditions affect the nerves that innervate the scapular girdle or mechanical alterations in the STJ cause snapping or crepitus. Violent trauma can also severely injure the joint in scapulothoracic dissociation.

In other occasions, the scapular dyskinesis appears in the context of other shoulder problems such as glenohumeral instability, clavicle fractures, acromioclavicular disorders, and impingement syndrome. In these cases, the true role of the scapular involvement as a cause, facilitator of consequence of the problem is often not clear; but the dyskinesis needs to be addressed specifically during treatment. In most cases, a proper rehabilitation protocol is the main therapeutic weapon available in dealing with scapular dyskinesis.

Keywords

Rotator Cuff Clavicle Fracture Glenohumeral Instability Serratus Anterior Muscle Scapular Spine 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2014

Authors and Affiliations

  • Miguel Ángel Ruiz Ibán
    • 1
  • Jorge Díaz Heredia
    • 1
  • Jose Luis Ávila
    • 2
  • Francisco Serrano Sáenz de Tejada
    • 3
  • Valencia Mora Mora
    • 4
  • Miguel García Navlet
    • 3
  1. 1.Unidad de Hombro y CodoHospital Universitario Ramón y CajalMadridSpain
  2. 2.Hospital MazZaragozaSpain
  3. 3.Hospital AsepeyoCoslada, MadridSpain
  4. 4.Unidad de Hombro y CodoHospital Universitario Ramón y CajalMadridSpain

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